Do I need to prune it to get flowers?

Light pruning can encourage branching, which leads to more flowering sites. Prune in late winter before the new growth starts.

How long does it take for a new plant to bloom?

Young plants may take one full season to establish before they start producing flowers. Patience is key.

Golden trumpet: not flowering, causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the amount of direct sunlight the plant gets daily.
Review your recent fertilizer routine.
Check for signs of pests that might be eating the buds.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks healthy and green but shows no signs of buds. It may also appear stretched out.
What to do: Move your plant to a location where it receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light or full sun. If indoors, place it near a south facing window.
Wrong fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant is growing lots of leaves but no flowers. This often happens with high nitrogen fertilizers.
What to do: Switch to a bloom booster fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus. Apply it every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your golden trumpet

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the plant to stop blooming during the cooler winter months. Worry only if it fails to bloom during the peak of summer.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your plant gets plenty of sun and use a phosphorus rich fertilizer during the active growing season.

Golden trumpet: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your golden trumpet and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to prune it to get flowers?: Light pruning can encourage branching, which leads to more flowering sites. Prune in late winter before the new growth starts.
How long does it take for a new plant to bloom?: Young plants may take one full season to establish before they start producing flowers. Patience is key.

Why is my Golden trumpet not producing flowers?